We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Mouse Rios a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Mouse thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

I’ve been writing rhymes and rapping since I was 10/11 years old. I used to get on my big old computer with no dial up. I used the computers built in recorder and an old cheap microphone that my Mom must’ve scavenged at the local goodwill. I would search instrumental beats on old school YouTube and record myself rapping my verse. I really thought I was doing something amazing. In hindsight, I actually was. The potential has always been there. However, life took me down other paths for which I’m grateful to have. It molded me into the Woman I am today. I jumped at every opportunity to be apart of the usual after lunch freestyle circles. I was the only female rapper and I was good. If my bars didn’t make sense, my delivery was always on point. It felt great to have fun with all the guys while spectators were in awe. I will always have so many things up my sleeves regarding my dreams and aspirations. I knew I wanted to apply my energy towards music professionally but doubted myself. My Husband, my children and my Mom have been encouraging me to go after what they believe I’m amazing at. It takes a lot of time and effort to pursue a music career. It’s even harder when you don’t got it like that, financially. Others may have that one-up but I take a lot of pride in knowing my faith in God will get me anything I truly want and deserve. It may take longer than the others but I will enjoy the journey and take my family with me.

Mouse, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I go by the name of Mouse. Obtained this sweet name when I was a kid and I answer to it regularly. My music name is Redlipstickmouse but let me tell you about back in the day, when the internet was hot! Twitter was jumping, cancel culture did not exist and Instagram had new competition — I felt like a kid in a candy store. This was around 2012. The possibilities were endless. Tons of originality and lots of room for recognition and growth. I started off on Instagram by making comedy videos. They were filled with banter, satire, crude language and vulgar humor. Only the strong could survive my content. I still have a few loyal supporters from back in the day with me now. (If you’re reading this — I love y’all!) I introduced a few of my rap skills but always in a funny way. I hopped on the Vine train, too. Those 7-second videos had us all in a chokehold and I loved pushing those out. My videos went viral.. Both on IG and Vine. There wasn’t any real monetizing back then. It was all for fun. I love to make people laugh, especially about things they can relate to. Especially topics most people don’t want to talk about out loud.

I have collaborated with many social media celebrities you know now. Amazing people like Jessica Vanessa, BdotADot5, CLos and many more. Just before Cardi B blew up from her single “Bodak Yellow” — she was known for making funny videos too. Belcalis herself, liked a video of mine on Instagram! At first, I was like “Wow, that funny NY girl always talking her sh*t just liked my video!” I didn’t know that she’d be one of the #1 female rappers of our time. That will always be a cool memory of mine.

My best friend at the time of all this was my business partner. We were determined to start a YouTube channel and we named it Mouse Meets Dawg. We would act out funny skits and drop them every other week. It gained a lot of traction but we shut it down after a year. Fast forward, my now Husband is still my business partner and we are still Mouse Meets Dawg! Instead, we aren’t limited to one genre — we are anything we want to be. Any time we make hits together, we do it as MMD.

My Husband, artist name Kenneth Durant, is a vet in the music game. I learn A LOT from him. I am a better artist today because of him and I will always give him flowers any chance I get. He has collaborated with local legends such as Kyle Lee, SoSanAntone and Spark Da Beast to name a few. Outside of our city he has worked with DoughBeezy, 3D Na’Tee, Tha Joker and Playboy Tre. I hope I can have a bunch of great talent collabs under my belt one day soon also! This is the only time mixing business and pleasure worked out so amazingly!

When I finally started dabbling into my music career, a lot of people came out of the woodwork’s and supported this. It feels amazing knowing people remembered this is something I’ve been passionate about. Something I’m good at. I think what truly sets me apart from the typical rapper is I have no need to rap about my body, money or drugs. I can get your attention with my energetic cadence. I can get your attention with my story. I can rap about my body but if that’s going to put me in the same bucket as every other artist, I’d rather get overlooked until it’s my own true time to shine. I won’t change for anyone. I came up with a lot to talk about. It shows in my artistry. I can’t let critics quiet me down to fit society’s standards or succumbing to “cancel culture.” I know what’s right and what’s wrong. I’m also an adult who knows there is a time and place for EVERYTHING. My style, my personality and my character will not change. I like who I am. No matter what I decide to do, I will always remain Me. I hope everyone starts to get familiar with it.

I hope you understand that I wouldn’t be anything without my family. They’re the only reason I’m here. I love incorporating my family into my projects. Anytime I go to my shows, they’re always with me. I don’t want it if my family can’t be involved. I hope you know the people who choose to support Redlipstickmouse and Mouse Meets Dawg are people I will never forget. Society tends to think we don’t keep track of certain followers and cool things they do to show their love. I see it all and I love it. When you put your genuine love into me and my work… You will see how much I want you involved in my art. I’m not a robot. I’m Mouse and I appreciate all good intentions.

I dropped my very first NEW original single “Military City” on November 1st 2022! It is now available on all major platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal, YouTube Music, Tiktok, Instagram, Snapchat and more! Please add my single to your playlist and tell me what you think. I plan to shoot an official music video by January 2023 and I intend to have the entire city present to represent what San Antonio is really about! Full diversity and love for one another. Please follow me on all social media platforms to stay updated with news for date, location etc. Hope to see you there!

I just thank God He gave me a loud voice to help people see who they are, to speak my truth with no fear. I hope if you become a fan of my artistry, you’ll remember that I’m just a regular human being that moves with pure intentions in their heart. Huge shout out to my team, Aquemini Management! Major shout out to anyone in The Mouse Trap! We’re all still trying to figure out what to call my day 1 supporters. Let me know!

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

In my opinion, at least locally speaking, I believe we shouldn’t charge each other ridiculous amounts for features. I know it’s subjective but if you’re not bringing in a hefty income from the industry alone and you’re pumping gas and shopping at the same local H‑E‑B as me… I don’t think it’s logical to pay $500+ for a verse. If you don’t have major hits under your belt or a catalog of big artists that has co-signed for you… We are essentially on the same wavelength. We should be helping each other out. I’m not about the weird arrogant egotistical stuff. I like to support everyone around me. I’m the one clapping at these shows, cheering and making folks feel good on stage. I’m the one showing love. I like to see all good people win. I don’t expect to get free studio time or free original beats. I just feel like if we’re on the same path to eat a big meal at the table in this industry, we can offer to work together for a good bargain or at least exchange goods. Go half of studio time, music videos… When we profit off of our work and you go into it with good intentions, God will always make sure you get yours. I believe that. It’s a different perspective when it’s people from out of town… but if we’re neighbors in this city, be easy.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

Yup. Check out the book, “All You Need To Know About The Music Business” by Donald S. Passman.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://hyperfollow.com/redlipstickmouse
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/redlipstickmouse
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/officialredlipstickmouse
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@MouseMeetsDawg210
• Other: WAVEZ Article on my NEW single “Military City” https://www.wavezmovement.com/music-reviews/2022/11/3/redlipstickmouse-military-city-visualizer

Image Credits
Video Creator: Luis Hinojosa | G.O.A.T Farm